If You've Just Purchased Bedside Crib And Travel Cot ... Now What?

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot Bedside cribs are a cot with a bassinet style that is attached to the bed's side. Some have an end that can be lowered for easy access, while others come with an incline that is perfect for reflux babies. MFM test subject Georgina found the crib to be simple to assemble and the instructions were clear, making it a quick and easy build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag. Easy to assemble They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be placed close to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more transportable. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was “super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and zips that are easy to open.” The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It features multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow, and the adjustable height makes it can be adapted to any mattress. Some cribs for bedside use a side panel which can be removed to let you easily access your baby without having to get out of bed. This is a great choice for breastfeeding mums or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is associated with an increased risk of SIDS). Most models come with built-in functions that allow you to rock your baby. This can be very soothing for your baby, and help them fall asleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. They should only be used under supervision. A health professional or a GP should be consulted before trying this position. Many cribs for bed come with a canopy to protect your baby from light or noise, which can be helpful in keeping them peaceful. Some cribs come with an under-bed storage space that can be used to store additional blankets, diapers, and clothes for your child. Some cribs that are bedside can be converted into standalone cots or toddler beds, and this is often a big selling feature for families. MFM's 2021 Mother&Baby Awards winner, the Joie Roomie Go, for example, has side panels that can be removed, conversion kits and a tummy tilt, making it versatile enough for travelling. It also has 5 different height settings to match your bed and was highly praised by our MFM home testers for being simple to put together as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Cosy and comfy A bedside crib enables you to watch your little one from the comfortable bed. It's a great choice for new mums recovering from a C-section as it is easy to lift your infant towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies without having to get out of the bed. The most comfortable cribs come with mesh sides that let you see your baby through. Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier, but lift it back up after you take the baby out. This is better for parents concerned about their child falling off their mattress. The Luah was awarded the Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, or Moses Basket in 2021, is designed to be attached to divans and bedsteads but requires longer straps (check your specifications to make sure that your bed is able to accommodate). The large design has an opening side panel and a patented perforated bottom that creates air cushioning that increases air flow. There's also an integrated reflux setting, and a 360-degree swivel to allow you to move the crib in accordance with the preferred position of your baby. If you're looking for something a smaller in size than the Tutti Bambini COZee is a stylish option with oak legs and smart fabrics to complement your decor. It's also simple to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was able to put it together in a matter of minutes without having to look up any instructions. It's also a good travel cot, which folds flat and popping into a convenient bag. The Next2me Magic, which was shortlisted for the Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket at the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, is also on the larger side but is still relatively small and easy to put into your bed. Georgina found it straightforward to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly described on the instruction sheet. Easy to clean Look for cribs with mattress covers which can be washed in the machine when you are looking at cribs for bed or travel cots. That will help you keep it clean from leaky nappies, infant sick and drips. It's an excellent idea to select a model that is easily removed and partially dismantled so you can get into all the nooks and crannies to conduct an efficient cleaning and sanitising session. This is essential, as it will ensure that all germs and dirt have been removed. Verify that the sides of the crib are securely attached to ensure that your baby doesn't slide off or become trapped. Aside from being easy to clean, you'll also want an infant crib that is comfortable for your child and is compatible with your own bed. This is particularly important if you're using a bedside crib to facilitate co-sleeping. They are designed to be attached securely to the side of the parent's bed which allows parents to easily access their infant throughout the night for feeding and comforting while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping areas. When choosing a crib for your bedside take into consideration whether it comes with extra features that may be beneficial to you. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is great for babies who are a bit fussy. bedside cot used 'll need to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's head and feet aren't slipping into gaps or folds in the bedding. It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for your crib or travel cot, rather than relying on one that was used previously or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used tend to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All new cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that introduces stricter requirements for safe and effective sleep solutions. Versatile A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib, as they're often referred to) attaches to your bed in order for you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your bed to sleep. They can also be used as a separate crib during the daytime. Most will feature a side panel which can be moved down so you can be able to see and touch your baby. Some cribs let you keep the panel in place throughout the night, giving you the closeness and convenience of sleeping with your baby, but minimises the risks of bed-sharing. Some cribs can be transformed into a travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like tilting, rocking, or converting into an older crib for babies. The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently popular crib and it's not just about its sleek, modern design. This crib comes with six height settings as well as an attractive shelf to store things on. It's also a bit larger and heavier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel however it comes with a convenient bag to keep it clean and dust-free when stored. The instructions are easy to follow and there is a handy toolkit that can be used to help you. It's also easy to clean, with a machine-washable mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras compared to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment. Jasmin says that this is a fantastic crib since it's “easy to reach baby during the night to feed without fuss and is larger than the majority of Moses baskets, which means it will last longer until my son is out of it”. It's also easy to clean and feels durable and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan bed, making it an ideal choice for those with small space. It is also equipped with a convenient bag that you can take with you on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.